Overview
DRDO CEPTAM MTS recruits Multi-Tasking Staff for support roles across DRDO's network of defence research laboratories nationwide, working alongside scientists and engineers on India's defence research and development programmes. It's one of the more accessible DRDO recruitment routes given its Class 10/ITI-level qualification bar, though the selection process still involves two written tiers and, for trade-specific posts, a Skill Test — reflecting DRDO's need for both general aptitude and specific technical/trade competence in support staff working in sensitive research environments.
What's New in the 2026 Cycle
What changed in the 2026 cycle
- Tier I is a screening stage; Tier II (and the Skill Test, where applicable) determines final merit.
- Recruitment spans multiple DRDO laboratories nationwide, each potentially requiring specific trade skills depending on the lab's research focus.
- Given the sensitive nature of defence research environments, document verification and background checks tend to be thorough.
- MTS posts offer a pathway into DRDO's work environment even without an engineering degree, appealing to ITI-qualified candidates specifically.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18–28 years typically (relaxation per government norms for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/ex-servicemen) |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 10 with ITI in the relevant trade, or Class 12 (post-dependent), from a recognised Board/institute |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS candidates). Women and SC/ST/PwBD/ex-servicemen candidates are exempted. |
DRDO CEPTAM MTS Exam Pattern
The DRDO CEPTAM MTS selection process runs through tier i + tier ii + skill test. Each stage has its own timing, marking scheme and qualifying rules, detailed below.
Tier I (Screening)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | — | Qualifying |
| Numerical Aptitude | — | Qualifying |
| General Awareness | — | Qualifying |
| General English/Hindi | — | Qualifying |
Tier II (Merit-Deciding)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Trade/Discipline-specific technical questions, at a Class 10/ITI level | — | Qualifying |
Skill Test (trade-specific posts)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Trade-specific practical skill assessment | — | Qualifying |
DRDO CEPTAM MTS Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Below is the complete topic-wise DRDO CEPTAM MTS syllabus for every subject tested across all stages, with a short note on what each section actually rewards — use this to build a section-wise study plan rather than relying on generic topic summaries.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Standard pattern-based reasoning — quick to improve with regular timed practice.
- Analogies, classification
- Series completion
- Coding-decoding
- Non-verbal reasoning
Numerical Aptitude
Foundational-level questions — consistent practice on fundamentals is the fastest route to improvement.
- Number system, simplification
- Percentage, ratio & proportion
- Basic algebra & mensuration
General Awareness
Broad and current-affairs-heavy — a steady daily revision habit works better than cramming.
- Current affairs — national & international
- General science
- Static GK relevant to defence and government functioning
General English/Hindi
Basic comprehension at a Class 10 level — a light-touch but consistent revision approach is sufficient.
- Basic grammar & comprehension at a Class 10 level
Trade/Discipline-specific (Tier II & Skill Test)
The real differentiator in DRDO CEPTAM MTS selection — genuine hands-on trade competence matters more than written theory alone.
- Syllabus corresponds to the candidate's specific ITI trade or applied discipline, as notified by DRDO CEPTAM
Selection Process
- Tier I — screening stage.
- Tier II — merit-determining, trade/discipline-specific.
- Skill Test — for trade-specific posts.
- Document Verification (including thorough background checks given the defence research environment).
Salary & Job Profile
DRDO CEPTAM MTS posts are placed around Pay Level 1–2 of the 7th CPC matrix, plus Dearness Allowance, HRA and Transport Allowance, with the exact scale depending on the specific post.
Best Books for DRDO CEPTAM MTS Preparation
- Lucent's General Knowledge
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic — Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- Trade-specific ITI reference material relevant to your applied trade
Previous Cut-off Trends
Approximate — always verify officially
DRDO CEPTAM MTS cut-offs vary by trade, laboratory-wise vacancy allocation and category each cycle. Always check the trade-wise and category-wise official cut-off list rather than a single overall figure.
Preparation Tips
- Since Tier I is only a screening stage, don't over-invest revision time there once comfortably past the expected cut-off — shift focus to Tier II's trade-specific content.
- Revise your specific ITI trade curriculum systematically for Tier II and the Skill Test, rather than relying only on generic MCQ practice.
- Build a steady General Awareness habit, since this section draws broadly from current affairs and general science.
- Practise previous years' CEPTAM MTS papers to understand the balance between general aptitude and trade-specific content.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry the Document Checker and a valid original photo ID to both Tier I and Tier II.
- Prepare thoroughly for your specific trade's Skill Test if applicable — this is a genuinely practical assessment.
- No electronic devices are allowed inside the exam hall.
- Be ready for thorough document and background verification given the sensitive nature of DRDO's research environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically Class 10 pass with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade, or Class 12 depending on the specific post, from a recognised Board/institute.
Yes, a Skill Test is required for trade-specific posts, assessing genuine practical competence in the applied trade.
Yes, recruitment covers DRDO's network of laboratories nationwide, and specific trade requirements can vary by the lab's particular research focus.
Given the sensitive nature of defence research environments, document verification and background checks for DRDO posts tend to be more thorough than typical government recruitment.
Related Exams
Back to Syllabus Hub — browse all government exam syllabus pagesSyllabus content on this page is compiled and reviewed against the official DRDO CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) notification as of 30 Jan 2026. Exam patterns, vacancies, salary figures and cut-offs are subject to change — always cross-check with the official notification at drdo.gov.in / ceptam.drdo.gov.in before applying.